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Adventure Awaits


From high-desert mesas to alpine peaks, the San Juan National Forest offers countless roads and trails to explore.

Explore the Forest

Welcome to San Juan National Forest

San Juan National Forest encompasses about 1.8 million acres in the southwestern corner of Colorado. From high-desert mesas to alpine peaks, these federal lands are managed for multiple uses and visitors are asked to respect each other and the natural resources. The San Juan National Forest Headquarters is located in Durango, Colorado, with district offices in Bayfield, Dolores and Pagosa Springs.

We've got a new look!

In April 2025, we transitioned to a new web platform to better serve the public. With thousands of pages to update, some content may take additional time to appear. Some older content has been archived during this move as well. 

We appreciate your patience as we work to make it easier than ever to access information and explore your national forests - both online and on the ground.  

If you cannot find what you are looking for, please contact your local Forest Service office or submit your question using the form on our Contact Us page.

October 2025 Post-Flood Event Road Status

Vehicle on the edge of a road washout cliff

Visitors to the USDA San Juan National Forest should exercise caution following historic flood events in early October, 2025, which left roads, trails, and major infrastructure damaged and destroyed. 

Known road issues will be updated on this page.

Discover the Forest

Columbine Lake

What are your outdoor passions? Hiking, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, alpine and nordic skiing, horseback riding, driving your OHV? Check out what's available to you on our forest.

Campground Info

South Mineral Campground

There are many camping opportunities on the San Juan National Forest. With some planning you can find a perfect spot for you and your family. 

Plan Ahead

Backpacker Crater Lake Trail

Brush up on your forest knowledge, up-to-date Forest Road conditions, fire regulations, campground status and more.

Fire Information

Snow Ranch Fire

Before you go, know the current fire restrictions, prescribed fire schedules, and active wildfires in the area.

Find Your Way

Forest Overview Map

Find your way by exploring our interactive, downloadable, mobile friendly maps as well as maps for online purchase.

Forest Road Status

Road Conditions

San Juan Forest Roads are often opened in May / June and closed throughout December /January. Stay up-to-date with seasonal road openings and closings. 

Forest Spotlights

Hermosa Creek Watershed

20190817_FS_RFish_0002_Hermosa Watershed

The Hermosa Creek Watershed is a special place on the San Juan National Forest. There are multiple projects underway to protect native cutthroat trout and to improve the user experience and safety.

Chimney Rock National Monument

Chimney Rock National Monument

Chimney Rock represents one of the largest Pueblo II (900-1150 AD) communities in southwestern Colorado and is considered a Chacoan cultural “outlier.”  At Chimney Rock National Monument, you can imagine the landscape as it was a thousand years ago with cultivated fields and settlements extending from the valley floors to the mesa tops.

Recent Press Releases

Roads and trails opening in April and May

Release Date: April 9, 2026

McPhee boat ramp opening April 15th

Release Date: April 1, 2026